Secretary’s Report of the Actions of Synod Council, 2025-2026
SC25.6.52 – To refer to Bylaws Committee Resolution Smith-1, “Resolution on Improving Appropriations Process,” along with the minutes of the meeting.
SC25.6.53 – To direct the Select Committee on Synod Finance to develop the mission support formula for 2026, reporting back to Synod Council by 1 August 2025.
SC25.6.54 – To direct Synod Mutual Ministry Committee to develop the clergy compensation package for 2026, reporting back to Synod Council by 1 August 2025.
SC25.6.55 – To authorize Bishop Riegel with the concurrence of the Treasurer and the Secretary to enter into an agreement on behalf of this synod in cooperation with the NWPA and SWPA Synods to underwrite summer work at the Tri-Synod Archives related to unboxing and shelving following the move of the Archives, funds not to exceed $750 to be drawn from undesignated synod reserves.
SC25.6.56 – To adopt as continuing resolution the following: “There shall be a fund in connection to the Mary Caroline Spray bequest of mineral rights to receive, hold, manage, invest, and disburse associated funds for home mission and church extension work; the Synod Council shall make determination for management, investment, and disbursement but may delegate the same; investment income generated by the fund (excluding investment income generated by monies held in general checking or general savings) shall accrue to the fund; legal fees and other costs associated with the fund and its activities may be paid with monies from the fund.”
SC25.6.57 – To authorize, until the next regular Synod Council meeting, Executive Committee to invest up to $150K in short-term instruments and/or high liquidity instruments to generate interest income greater than that derived from checking or savings.
SC25.6.60 – To refer to the Synod Mutual Ministry Committee and the Select Committee on Finance the portion of the Report of the Bishop to this meeting under Development Officer To Move Affiliated Agencies to Self-Sufficiency” for comment, report to be made to the next regular meeting of the Synod Council.
SC25.6.63 – To instruct Bylaws Committee to draft a bylaw that would enable implementation of the resolution on a future, part-time option for bishop as adopted by Synod Assembly.
SC25.6.64 – To request from Community Lutheran Partners, Inc., a plan for the use of $20,000 to be received as a grant authorized by Synod Assembly 2025 and subject to approval by Synod Council.
SC25.6.66 – To issue the call for Synod Assembly 2026 to be held 5-6 June 2026 at the Mon County 4-H Center, Mylan Park, Morgantown, WV, start time to be determined.
SC25.6.67 – The Synod Council, employing preferential voting by email ballot, elected The Rev. John Unger to the clergy seat on the Executive Committee, term to begin 1 August 2025.
SC25.08.69 – To set the Mission Support Formula for CY2026 at 12.89% of total unrestricted congregational giving (offering), asking that congregations not yet remitting mission support at 12.89% be asked to increase their mission support to 12.89%, while asking congregations at or exceeding 12.89% to not decrease the greater of either their proportional share or nominal contribution.
SC25.08.70 – To set the guidelines for clergy compensation as follows and adopt the Clergy Compensation Package for CY2026 as presented in writing: Pastors (minister of Word & Sacrament) starting in 2025 in a first-call, congregation at $44,101.17. This is the minimum recommendation. Congregations wanting to keep pace with COLA should set the base salary at $44,552.25; Continuing education allowance at $2000 and 14 days for continuing education purpose annually for routine continuing education; and Clergy, in their first three years of ordained ministry, at $300 for First Call Theological Education (to be included as part of the $2000 annual support for continuing education).
SC25.08.71 – To direct Synod Mutual Ministry Committee to review the financial counseling services and resources provided by Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota with special attention to Portico Health Plan level recommendations and to report back to Synod Council with any recommendations for the amendment of the Clergy Compensation Package for FY2026.
SC25.08.72 – To authorize the treasurer to purchase, within the month, a short-term certificate of deposit in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
SC25.09.74 – To grant retired status on the Roster of Ministers of Word & Sacrament to The Rev. Linda Muhly effective 1 October 2025 contingent upon the emergence of no impediment.
SC25.09.75 – To grant retired status on the Roster of Ministers of Word & Sacrament to The Rev. Erik Nielsen effective 11 August 2025.
SC25.09.76 – To grant retired status on the Roster of Ministers of Word & Sacrament to The Rev. Thomas Darr ffective 1 January 2026 contingent upon the emergence of no impediment.
SC25.09.77 – To thank Bishop Riegel for his extensive work representing the interests of our synod at CWA.
SC25.09.79 – To appoint to the Commission for Synodical Lay Worship Leadership (in addition to current members Paul Wangerin, The Rev. Ruth Bullwinkle, and The Rev. Ian Reid) the following: The Rt. Rev. Matthew Riegel as chair, The Rev. Paul Schafer, The Rev. Dr. John Unger, The Rev. Jacq Campbell, and The Rev. Matt Holbert.
SC25.09.80 – Creation of a Select Committee on History to assess the wisdom of producing a synod history, the scope and format of such a history, and the temporalities involved.
SC25.09.81 – To authorize the Executive Committee fill the Select Committee on History.
SC25.09.82 – To adopt the report of the Executive Committee on Major Gifts.
SC25.09.83 – To set the following as the supply preaching compensation schedule effective 1 October 2025: for one service by clergy without a sacrament or pastoral act, $150; for at least one service with at least one pastoral act, an additional $25; for Bishop’s Lay Worship Leaders and Synodical Lay Worship Leaders with Journ Preacher licenses, a base rate of $125; for Synodical Lay Worship Leaders with Apprentice Preacher licenses, a base rate of $100; for Synodical Lay Worship Leaders with Reader licenses, a base rate of $75; for additional services, $50 per additional service; and mileage at IRS business rate.
SC25.09.84 – To amend the clergy compensation package for 2026 by replacing reference to the Portico metallic health plans with reference to the new Portico health plans and referral to encouragement to congregations and clergy to call Lutheran Social Services of MN (lssmn.org) for help choosing an appropriate health plan. Grate seconded. Carried.
SC25.09.85 – To refer the matter of a development manager to assist synodical affiliated ministries to the Executive Committee with instructions: 1) to inquire of the boards of the Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU, Community Lutheran Partners, and Camp Luther as to their willingness and desire to work with a development manager; 2) to request response from the respective boards within one month of transmission of inquiry; and 3) to report to the Synod Council the findings of the inquiry and its recommendations to the next regular meeting of the Synod Council or a special meeting called for that purpose.
SC25.09.86 – To refer the matter of hiring an administrative assistant for the Executive Committee with instructions: 1) to develop a position description; 2) to assess budgetary demands; and 3)to bring a proposal to the next regular meeting of the Synod Council or a special meeting called for that purpose.
SC25.09.88 – To adopt the Severance and Involuntary Termination of Bishop Policy recommended by the Church Council of the ELCA in 1989 (CC/ELCA89.11.185) as amended.
SC25.09.89 – To refer the matter of funding the severance policy to the Executive Committee.
SC25.09.92 – To adopt proposed continuing resolutions CR1.02 and CR1.03 as amended: CR1.02. All nominees for bishop shall be informed prior to withdrawal that an ELCA Office of the Secretary background check will be performed on those candidates advancing to the third ballot and that disclosure will be made to the voting members of the Synod Assembly; and CR1.03. Those candidates for bishop advancing to the third ballot shall complete a disclosure form either provided by the Office of the Secretary of the ELCA or approved by the Synod Council which shall be published to the Synod Assembly prior to the third ballot; failure to complete the disclosure form shall be reported to the Synod Assembly, and items in the disciplinary files of the ELCA not disclosed by the candidate shall be reported by the Elections Committee to the Synod Assembly.
SC25.09.93 – To adopt proposed continuing resolutions CR1.04 and CR1.05: CR1.04.In the election of bishop, when a name is submitted in the first ballot, it shall be assumed to be the name of a pastor on the roster of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod unless indicated otherwise or no pastor on the roster of the synod is of that name; CR1.05.When employing remote (mail/email) voting in the election of a bishop, (a) a voting window of no fewer than five days and no more than eight days, as directed by Synod Council, shall be offered to voting members; (b) a general announcement that balloting has opened shall be published on the website, synod social media, and the Bishop’s Roadshow, said announcement including instructions to voting members on how to secure a ballot if none was received; © a reminder to vote shall be issued during the balloting window to voting members through their registration emails, and a general announcement shall be made following the pattern above; (d) for a voting member with a registration email address used solely by said voting member, said registration email address shall be used for remote balloting; (e) those voting members who share an email address with another person or who do not have an email address shall be contacted directly by the Elections Committee which shall assist such voting members in casting their ballots, with the following provisos: (1) if two such attempts at contact (made on different days) have failed, no further attempts are required, and the voting member shall be treated as one not casting a vote; (2) a vote may be taken telephonically, by mail, or in-person by two or more members of the Elections Committee (or their designees).
SC25.09.94 – To advance to the Synod Assembly proposed bylaws [S8.11.01 and S8.11.02].
SC25.09.97 – To advance to Synod Assembly [on †S8.51.c, S9.04, S10.05, S10.06/07, S10.07/08, S10.08/09, S11.04] proposed amendments to the Synod Constitution.
SC25.09.98 – To refer the question of quorum on Synod Council to the Bylaws Committee.
SC25.12.103 – To recommend to the Synod Assembly the amendment of the Constitution of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod by appending the underlined material as follows to S10.09: The members who attend a meeting that has been previously adjourned for one or more periods aggregating at least 6 days because of an absence of a quorum, although less than a quorum as fixed by this provision, shall nevertheless constitute a quorum for the purpose of acting upon any matter set forth in the notice of the meeting if the notice states that those members who attend the adjourned meeting shall nevertheless constitute a quorum for the purpose of acting upon the matter.
SC25.12.104 – To recommend to the Synod Assembly the amendment of the Constitution of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod by creation of S10.10 to read: The Synod Council may by a two-thirds vote declare vacant the seat of a Synod Council member (other than that of an officer whose removal is governed under †S8.57) who a) has been judicially declared of unsound mind, b) has been convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than one year, or for any other proper cause which the constitution and bylaws may specify, c) does not accept the office either in writing, within 60 days after notice of election, or by attending a meeting of the board of directors, or d) has been persistently absent in the judgment of the Synod Council by failure to 1) attend in-person meetings, 2) attend meetings by electronic means (under †S10.09.01), or 3) acknowledge mail ballots (under B10.08).
SC25.12.105 – To recommend to the Synod Assembly the amendment of the Constitution of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod by creation of S11.06 to read: The Finance Board of this synod shall consist of three to six members, not including the treasurer who shall be a member ex officio. The Finance Board members shall be appointed by Synod Council for a term of two years and be eligible for re-election without term limitation. The terms of the Finance Board members shall be staggered. The Finance Board may adopt its own bylaws subject to ratification by the Synod Council. The Finance Board shall be responsible for the management of the synod’s reserves and investments with authority to hold, invest, and liquidate investment within the parameters set by Synod Council and shall perform such other duties as may be committed to it by Synod Council or the governing documents of this synod.
SC25.12.106 – Acknowledging the resignation of Abigail Spray from the office of Synod Secretary, to appoint David Finney (St. Paul Lutheran Church, Morgantown) Synod Secretary.
SC25.12.107 – To order the treasurer to purchase of a 5-month CD for $50,000 in January 2026.
SC25.12.108 – To authorize the treasurer to allow the $50,000 CD maturing 22 December 2025 to automatically renew at his discretion.
SC26.01.01 – That the Rev. David Rockwood be granted retirement status effective January 19, 2026.
SC26.01.02 – To Authorize the treasurer to 1) renew the $50,000 CD maturing in February 2026 at his discretion, 2) purchase a 5-month D for $50,000 in March 2026, and 3) purchase a 5-month CD for $50,000 in April 2026.
SC26.01.03 – To appoint the following persons to the Nominating Committee: Pr. Ruth Bullwinkle (chair), Rick Losh, Cindy Murphy, Pr. Devin Ames, Pr. Patrice Weirick, Pr. Sally Bartling, Kim Kochy, Jim Sheatsley, authorizing the Executive Committee to fill any vacancies.
SC26.01.04 – To appoint a select committee (members: Pr. Devan Ames, Nancy Weeks, Pr. Mary Sanders, Bishop Riegel as ex-officio) for Synod Assembly 2026, to report back to Synod Council with recommendations on costing & logistical matters (e.g., room & board, worship, hospitality & program) with the following instructions: Pricing options for an evening meal on Friday; Pricing options for lunch on Saturday; Options of beverage service for both days; Worship expenses for Friday evening at St. Paul, including music & other reasonable worship expenses; Administrative support expenses; Technical & digital support expenses; Room & board for the Churchwide Representative; Misc expenses related to the facility.
SC26.01.05 – To re-affirm Tamara Riegel be retained as admin/clerical support in the Synod Office @ $25/hour.
SC26.01.06 – to direct the Executive Committee to begin the process of developing the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027-28.
SC26.01.07 – to direct the Executive Committee begin a review the Synod’s investments.
SC26.02.01 – To join the Go Tell It In the Mountains – Lilly Compelling Preaching Initiative as a member synod alongside: Allegheny Synod, Northwestern PA Synod, & Upper Susquehanna Synod.
SC26.02.02 – To issue a call to specialized ministry to the Rev. Dr. Doug Dyson to serve the West Virginia Council of Churches as its Executive Director.
SC26.02.03 – That Synod Assembly 2026 include beverage service as outlined in the Report of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee, expenses being paid from the Synod Assembly Fund and asking Community Lutheran Partners, Inc., serve.
SC26.02.04 – That Synod Assembly 2026 include lunch on Saturday as outlined in the Report of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee, expenses being paid from the Synod Assembly Fund and Mama K’s being contracted as caterer.
SC26.02.05 – That Synod Assembly 2026 include an ice cream social after the Friday evening mass as outlined in the Report of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee, expenses being paid from the Synod Assembly Fund and the members of Synod Council being responsible for service and clean up.
SC26.02.06 – That the Synod purchase two microphones and four microphone cables for use at Synod Assembly and to be given to Camp Luther Senior Camp in gratitude for the use of its sound system these past several years, the microphones and cables being paid from the Synod Assembly Fund.
SC26.02.07 – That the Synod Assembly 2026 offering be designated for and evenly divided between Community Lutheran Partners, Inc., and the Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU in gratitude for their service in staffing beverage service and setting up and tearing down the assembly respectively.
SC26.02.08 – That all expenses normally associated with Synod Assembly (including but not limited to facilities, room & board for the Churchwide Representative, supplies, clerical support, technical services, and worship) be paid from the Synod Assembly Fund.
SC26.02.09 – That registration for Synod Assembly 2026 be set at $80 per person, that no refunds be issued past 24 May 2026, and that any refunds issued include a service charge to cover refund-associated fees.
SC26.02.10 – To convey the nomination of Dave Finney as a candidate for the office of Synod Secretary of the WV-WMD.
SC26.04.01 – To grant retired status on the Roster of Ministers of Word & Sacrament to The Rev. Nancy Knol effective May 1, 2026, contingent upon the emergence of no impediment.
SC26.04.02 – To reappoint The Rev. Tim Spence and to appoint Tamara Riegel to the Board of Directors of the Tri-Synod Archives.
SC26.04.03 – To request of the Tri-Synod Archives a sample policy or other appropriate resource for the recommended financial contribution from a closing congregation for the depositing of its archival materials.
SC26.04.04 – To advance to Synod Assembly the Rules of the Assembly as presented in writing with recommendation for adoption.
SC26.04.05 – To recommend to Synod Assembly that $150,000 from unrestricted reserves be designated to engage and fund a development manager at the Synod Council’s discretion.
SC26.04.06 – To grant enfranchisement to The Rev. Susan Claytor and The Rev. Darick Biondi with seat, voice, and vote in the 2026 Synod Assembly, contingent upon registration.
SC26.04.07 – To grant The Rev. Gary Koontz seat and voice in the 2026 Synod Assembly, contingent upon registration.
SC26.04.08 – That the retired status held by The Rev. James Riley be amended and modified such that his faculties for ministerial functions be suspended in a manner equivalent to that found in CBCR/ELCA 20.22.02(b), during which time, Pr. Riley shall not exercise the public ministry of Word & Sacrament, including but not limited to pastoral acts; furthermore, that Pr. Riley shall complete boundary training that shall include training on ministerial integrity as outlined in †S14.19. (and the coordinate provisions in Definitions & Guidelines and in the Roster Manual), certification of such training being submitted to the Synod Council and subject to review and approval by the same; that this suspension shall become effective 9 May 2026 and remain in effect for a period of one-year and until certification of boundary training has been received and accepted by the Synod Council.
SC26.04.11 – To advance to 2026 Synod Assembly the Proposed Budget for FY 2027- 28 as prepared by the Select Committee on Finance with recommendation for
adoption.
SC26.04.12 – To donate $500 to the West Virginia Council of Churches for technological upgrades to facilitate remote meetings.
SC26.04.13 – To authorize the following four transactions, at the discretion of the treasurer: a) to renew the CD held at Huntington Bank, maturing May 22, 2026; b) To purchase a 5-month CD in the amount of $50,000 in June 2026; c) To renew the CD held at Huntington Bank, maturing July 8, 2026; and d) to renew the CD held at Huntington Bank, maturing August 2, 2026.
SC26.04.14 – To appoint Dave Finney as assistant treasurer and to authorize Jim Nichol, Matthew Riegel and Dave Finney as signers for all banking & financial accounts.
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